TBall Fundamentals

1. Start with the basics
   1. Names, introductions, bases, and positions.
   2. Snack Schedule
   3. Equipment
      1. Glove, rubber cleats or tennis shoes, grey baseball pants
2. Throwing
   1. Arm back, knuckles up, overhand throw, follow through at the target
      1. Teach the starting position for throwing, practice playing catch
      2. Overhand throw and point to target with follow through
3. Catching
   1. Glove up and throwing-hand up
   2. Secure ball with throwing hand
   3. “Ten fingers up “
4. Fielding – Teach kids each position
   1. Ready position before every play
      1. Knees bent, hands up, eyes on batter
      2. “Ready Position”
5. Grounders
   1. Ready position, glove to the ground, stop the ball
   2. “Scoop some dirt”
6. Make a throw to 1^st base
   1. Check to make sure 1^st baseman is paying attention – Call out a name
      1. Throw to 1st
      2. Throw to Coach/pitcher
7. Hitting – stance, grip, elbows
   1. Hit off tee first
   2. Stance, knuckles, and swing
   3. “Knocking knuckles” line up
   4. 2 ¼ diameter bat 10 oz. + - 2 oz.
      1. Choke up if too heavy

Alligator Arms Drill

Using two hands to catch the ball is essential for younger players to learn. If you use something like Alligator arms (players like alligators), it will give them a better understanding of what is expected of them when they field a ball.

What you need:  Gloves and balls

How this drill works: 

Before the drill starts, explain to the young ball players the idea of how an alligator jaw works. Then show them how catching the ball, and fielding grounders work the same way. The ball is just like an alligator’s food, and they need to capture it with both hands. Have the players stand in a single file line in the fielding ready position. When you roll the ball, have them place their glove down in front of the ball, and explain to them that when the ball reaches their glove, the other hand should clamp down to secure the ball – just like alligator jaws – but only with their arms.  You can do this with waist-high throws, and shoulder height throws as well.

Results:  With this drill, the younger players will soon loon the importance of ‘feeding the alligator,’ so to speak.  They will quickly learn the concept of securing the ball in their glove with two hands.  This is especially helpful for younger players learning to field grounders properly.